# Koshataki

> Koshataki (Luffa acutangula) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Cucurbitane triterpenoids show moderate oral absorption enhanced by lipid carriers. Sapogenins have improved bioavailability in SNEDDS formulations. Nasya administration of juice provides direct nasal mucosal delivery for pratishyaya (rhinitis) management.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Luffa acutangula

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Koshataki |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (fresh juice), Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Nasya (nasal drops), Capsule, Beeja Churna (seed powder)

**Standard Dosage:** 5-10 mL fresh fruit juice; 2-4 g powder twice daily; 30-50 mL decoction; Nasya: 2-4 drops per nostril; 500 mg capsule

**Bioavailability:** Ribosome-inactivating [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) (luffin) are acid-labile with poor oral bioavailability — primarily active topically and via nasal route. Cucurbitane [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids) show moderate oral absorption enhanced by lipid carriers. Sapogenins have improved bioavailability in SNEDDS formulations. Nasya administration of juice provides direct nasal mucosal delivery for pratishyaya (rhinitis) management.

**Optimal Timing:** Nasya: early morning on empty stomach for sinus conditions; internal preparations: after meals; juice: morning for respiratory benefit

**Standardized Extract:** Fruit extract standardized to minimum 3% total [saponins](/reference/saponins/) and 2% [cucurbitacins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cucurbitacins); seed extract to minimum 5% protein content with characterized RIP activity

**Shelf Life:** 6 hours for fresh juice (Nasya grade); 18 months for dried powder; 24 months for capsules; 24 months for seed oil

**Storage:** Fresh juice must be used immediately or refrigerated (2-8°C) for max 6 hours. Dried preparations in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Seed oil in dark glass bottles at cool temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** Luffin (ribosome-inactivating protein), Cucurbitacin B, Oleanolic acid, Sapogenins, Linoleic acid, Oleic acid, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)

### Extraction Methods

- Cold pressing of fresh fruit for juice
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Aqueous extraction for protein-rich fraction
- Seed oil extraction by cold pressing
- Freeze-drying for protein preservation

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Vacha](/herb/vacha/) for Nasya formulations (sinusitis)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory combinations
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) synergy
- [Shirisha](/herb/shirisha/) for anti-allergic respiratory formulations
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for respiratory health

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/koshataki/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.